The country of Malaysia is separated into two sections by the South China Sea: Peninsular and East Malaysia. The terrain of coastal plains, dense forests, and mountainous regions make it an exciting tourist destination and even more inviting as a place to retire and relax. The warm climate makes it a breath of fresh air for those who have grown weary of extreme cold as seen in some parts of the US and Canada or even Russia. Being in the equatorial region, the annual monsoon is a major characteristic of the country. The rainforests here are the oldest in the world, surviving geographic and climatic upheavals for centuries.